Riverdance couple's son prefers acting on the dark side

HE is the son of Riverdance golden couple John McColgan and Moya Doherty -- but this young actor prefers playing bad guys on the screen.

Eimear Rabbitte
– 23 January 2013 04:00 PM

Danny McColgan can be seen in new TV3 drama Deception, playing troubled teen Troy.

The 21-year-old's scenes in Monday's episode of the drama sparked controversy when Troy takes a gun into school in order to get revenge on his bullies.

And he also has a plum part in a Jimi Hendrix movie which was filmed in Dublin last year.

The film, which is due to be aired later this year, sees Danny play Eric Clapton.

However, speaking to the Herald, Danny says he relishes the darker roles such as the one in Deception.

"Its great fun and it's really interesting to play that kind of role," he said.

"It gets taxing if you're immersed in that type of character for a long period of time and you are going into dark places, but it's really good fun."

And it can be tough to unwind after playing such an intensive role, says the acting student.

"It takes a couple of days to remind yourself that it's not real," said Danny.

"The fact that it's attention-grabbing doesn't mean it's controversial. Playing an interesting character is the most important thing."

Danny filmed the Jimi Hendrix biopic, All Is By My Side, in Dublin and Wicklow last summer. The film also stars Outkast star Andre 3000 as Hendrix, Love/Hate actor Laurence Kinlan and Fair City actress Jade Yourell.

"The Jimi Hendrix biopic was great fun.

"I was working on Deception at the same time so it was a very busy time," said Danny.

Danny is currently doing an acting course in the Factory on Barrow Street in the city centre alongside Jim Sheridan's daughter, Kirsten Sheridan.

He has also enjoyed a role in ITV series 13 Steps Down.

The budding actor is no stranger to showbiz as worldwide dance phenomenon Riverdance, which is produced and directed by Danny's parents, continues to make waves internationally and is now touring in China.

"This is our fifth tour down there and it's better than ever so it's great to have such a good following in China," Danny's dad John told the Herald.

"We've got a new show in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre called Heartbeat Of Home, which is opening in October of this year," added John.